New Apple TV with gaming support potentially set for early 2014

Apple will reportedly launch a new model of the Apple TV set top box some time in the first half of 2014, and it could come with proper gaming features.

The current generation (which is the third) of the Apple TV was launched in March 2012, with a minor revision in January of last year. With a typical two to three year gap in between generations, it’s certainly approaching time for a new model.

According to 9to5mac, that time is close at hand. It claims that the fourth generation Apple TV is “well into testing.”

Those looking forward to Apple’s long-rumoured TV set can put their expectations on hold for another year at least, as the this new Apple TV will continue with the compact set-top-box format.

The major advancement this time around will relate to Apple TV’s software. The new device will apparently run on a revamped iOS-based operating system.

This latest report also supports recent claims that the new Apple TV will support new types of content, which is likely to mean games. It believes that an Apple TV-specific App Store or Game Store could be in the works, potentially turning it into an affordable games console.

Indeed, iLounge earlier carried a report that the current Apple TV device would receive a software update to enable “proper game support” some time before the end of March. It’s claimed that manufacturers are already working on bluetooth game controllers for the project.

As pictured above, the current Apple TV merely supports AirPlay gaming, which allows you to stream iPhone and iPad games to your TV. The concept of a dedicated Apple console should be giving Nintendo and co. sleepless nights.

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